Re: Russell Reserve or Rare Breed?

I agree with the WTKS votes. It is the best regularly available WT bottling.

I am not sure between RR101 and RB, as I like both quite a bit, but I would definitely pick RB over RR90.

To me, RR101 tastes like a more 'tame' version of RB. If you want a more mellow, slow ride then go with RR101. If you want a bit quicker pace and spark to the tastebuds, go with RB. IMHO, RR101 and KS are closer to the old reliable WT8 than anything else currently on the market from WT. Just the same, both are fantastic pours with KS a slight cut above them.

Re: Russell Reserve or Rare Breed?

I agree with Dave about WT12's clear superiority over WTKS, although my own comparison where it blew away the competition was against RR101, at the time one of my favorite bottlings. I was really surprised by how thin and flat my formerly beloved RR101 tasted after I'd had WT12. WT12 is one of my very favorite bourbons. Sadly, it is no longer available in the states, unless you get lucky and find a dusty bottle.

Re: Russell Reserve or Rare Breed?

Originally Posted by Sijan

Sadly, it is no longer available in the states, unless you get lucky and find a dusty bottle.

I have often wondered if WT will ever again offer a 12yo to the U.S. market. Seems like it would do very well in today's marketplace of high demand for older bourbon. With the WT brand recognition and the high regard for the gold foil and split labels, it seems like a 'no-brainer' to me. However, perhaps the majority of 12yo barrels are already committed to the RB recipe and there are simply none to be had for individual offering. Is their still a 12yo offered to the international market from WT?

Re: Russell Reserve or Rare Breed?

To my understanding Jake the 12 yr. has been gone for a little while now. They are dusties even in Japan now. I spoke to a customer who has family in Japan and the last bottle of WT 12yr. he got from home was $500.00 USD ! I know the 8 yr. old can still be picked up going to Canada from the U.S.

Tony

"So long as the presence of death lurks with anyone who goes through the simple act of swallowing, I will make mine whiskey"

Re: Russell Reserve or Rare Breed?

Originally Posted by ACDetroit

To my understanding Jake the 12 yr. has been gone for a little while now. They are dusties even in Japan now. I spoke to a customer who has family in Japan and the last bottle of WT 12yr. he got from home was $500.00 USD ! I know the 8 yr. old can still be picked up going to Canada from the U.S.

Re: Russell Reserve or Rare Breed?

Originally Posted by ACDetroit

To my understanding Jake the 12 yr. has been gone for a little while now. They are dusties even in Japan now. I spoke to a customer who has family in Japan and the last bottle of WT 12yr. he got from home was $500.00 USD ! I know the 8 yr. old can still be picked up going to Canada from the U.S.

Tony

That explains it. My brother noticed that I've got a bottle of WT 8yo on the shelf. I hadn't noticed it myself, I'm ashamed to admit. I know I picked it up within the last five or six years, but I couldn't remember where. It must have been at a duty free shop, probably at the Ambassador Bridge. Or maybe at Port Huron. Or the Soo.